64BA, 68MD, 75R-Dermatology

What is your hometown?

Clearfield, Iowa

How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?

My uncle, Dr. James Maharry (48MD) is a medical school graduate from the University of Iowa. He was my inspiration. When I entered the University of Iowa as a freshman, my plan was to go on to medical school.

What interested you to pursue a career in medicine and medical education?

I had great respect for the family doctors in our community.

Please highlight your major career achievements, awards, discoveries, etc.

I was a Flight Surgeon in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. I have also been President of Polk County Medical Society, President of the Broadlawns Hospital Medical Staff, and President of the Medical Library Club of Des Moines.

Is there a teacher, mentor or University of Iowa faculty member who has helped shape your education?

Dr. Richard Zuehlke, Dr. Dick Caplan (51MA, 55MD), and Dr. Christian Radcliffe (43MD, 52R-Dermatology) were all great mentors. I still consider Dick Caplan my mentor.

How or why did you choose the University of Iowa for your education and medical training?

It was one of the only universities that I could afford and that offered the curriculum that I desired.

What kind of professional opportunities or advantages has your University of Iowa medical training provided?

My medical training gave me all the tools I needed to give good and ethical medical care to my patients. The faculty at the University of Iowa was always concerned about patient care.

Please describe your professional interests.

My professional interests are medical dermatology and voluntary medical activities.

What are some of your outside interests?

Some of my outside interests are social action, golf, fishing and restoration of antique John Deere Tractors.

Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?

The Golden Rule

If you could change one thing about the practice or business of medicine, what would it be?

To restore the image of the physician to that of healer instead of an accomplice in the “medical industry”.

What is the biggest change you’ve experienced in medicine since you were a student?

The commercialization of our profession and the greed of many of it’s practitioners. Also, the effects of computerization.

What one piece of advice would you give to today’s medical students?

Practice medicine because it is enjoyable and rewarding.

What do you see as the “future” of medicine?

The technical possibilities seem infinite; but there will always be a great need for “thinking” physicians!